Whether you ski alpine or freestyle, ride a snowboard, or explore Nordic trails, this article is for you. 

A day on the slopes is more than just skiing. It’s a mountain of moments.

Even when the snow and skies are perfect, a great ski day still means something different for everyone. Whether you’re carving turns on fresh corduroy, sharing laughs on the chairlift, or taking in the views, the best days are the ones you’ll remember long after the season ends. They’re the ones you want to relive again and again.

Sometimes it seems great ski days just happen, but the reality is a little preparation and mindful perspective make all the difference.

1. Control the Uncontrollable.

Some things in life and in skiing are beyond our control, and the weather is one of them. The best ski days start by focusing on what you can control.

Beyond our purview are the rising global temperatures and decreasing snowfall totals. But Olympic Authority mountains – Belleayre, Gore, Whiteface, and Mt Van Hoevenberg – continue upgrading their snowmaking and grooming technologies each year, and are providing more consistent conditions throughout the season, even as winters become less predictable.

In fact, Lake Placid was the first Olympic Winter Games host to make snow in 1980, and now, our commitment to continually advancing the efficiency and effectiveness of our snowmaking and grooming capabilities is improving skier and rider experiences for generations to come.

2. Don’t Minimize the Impact of the Right Gear & Clothing.

You don’t need a passion for fashion to care what you wear on the mountain. From heaA side bar titles Getting the Right Gear, providing indepth info about clothing, accessories, and mountain hardware.d to foot, your gear and clothing choices determine your safety, comfort, and skiing and riding abilities.

Of course, quality ski clothing and gear are costly. But can you expect them not only to last (clothing items may last 10 to 15 years with the right care) but also to deliver the comfort you need in wide-ranging conditions to truly enjoy your time of the mountain.

That’s not to mention that having properly fitted boots and helmets and the like also protects against injuries and maximizes your control on the slopes and trails.

3. Make Some Mountain Plans.

Staying flexible will help any day go more smoothly. When it comes to making a great ski day, it’s also important to think in advance about needs – your needs and the needs of those you’re with. By talking about and agreeing on some plans in advance, everyone’s needs and expectations are easier to meet.

      • The first of those considerations is ski conditions. Check your weather app for expected temperatures and winds. Remember there’s typically about a five degree difference per 1,000 feet of elevation. Also have a look at the snow report before you head out the door. Knowing what to expect helps you plan your day.
      • When to leave and how long to ski and ride is another one. On a first ski day of the season, legs get tired faster. Some love to make first tracks on the mountain while others prefer taking their time in the morning.
      • Safety is a consideration here, too. Tired legs can elevate risks on the last runs of the day.
      • Also, have a look at the trail map well in advance to reflect on the trails you most want to do and what’s possible. Some mountains are far bigger and most have terrain that varies greatly. Gore, for example, New York State’s most expansive mountain, with four peaks, five lodges, and trails for every skill level – 108 of them total in addition to terrain parks.
      • Part of the sport is expanding limits, but doing that with care and forethought is important. Skiing at your own level maximizes your safety while actually accelerating your skill progression and enjoyment. Pushing too far into terrain that exceeds your abilities is exhausting and greatly increases the risk of injury. It can also cause you to develop bad habits, such as leaning backward. Mastering skills on trails you feel comfortable on builds the muscle memory you need to tackle the tougher runs another time. Skiing and riding terrain within your skill range is more fun while also building your trust and proficiency with your gear, so you can continually advance to tougher runs.
      • Finally, there’s fuel. A little pre-planning around meals and other breaks keeps everyone’s needs met and smiles on faces.

4. Get the Right Passes.

Though lift ticket prices at many of the big resorts have increased to jaw-dropping levels, new options provide great alternatives. A little research and consideration in advance can not only save you money but also offer unexpected benefits and some valuable peace of mind.

Mountain Collective is one of the multi-resort passes now offering solid value as well as great access to ski areas internationally, including Whiteface Mountain.

Better yet, the SKI3 season pass is good for all Olympic Authority alpine ski areas – Belleayre, Gore, and Whiteface. The SKI3 pass also comes with a host of other valuable benefits worth checking out, including a 50% discount on lift tickets at 27 ski areas around the world. Current SKI3 and individual mountain pass pricing is available through August 5, making now the best time to plan your winter.

5. Consider taking a Lesson.

Many people learn on their own and never take a lesson. Mastering snow sports safely is tough enough, but steering clear of developing bad habits is another challenge altogether. We so often don’t realize what we’re doing or not doing right. Techniques that are practically invisible help us control speed, turn with finesse and precision, and perform a wide range of other skills from bump skiing or doing tricks in the terrain park.

This is where trained instructors can help both beginners and experienced skiers and riders alike. An instructor will see the intricacies in how you maneuver, and they understand how to most effectively help you overcome the gaps in your proficiency.

Spending a little time in lessons reduces the time you spend struggling and greatly enhances your enjoyment navigating the mountain. After all, even Olympians benefit from coaching.

6. Learn to Handle Flat Light.

When skies are cloudy, sunlight bounces in all directions and scatters, eliminating shadows and reducing the contrast of light on the snowy surface of the mountain. To skier and rider eyes, the effect is to hide features in the snow and reduce our perception of the slope and bumps ahead of us. Flat light is dauntingly not fun. Fortunately, there are good ways to deal with it.

Get a pair of goggles with yellow, rose, or amber lenses that boost the natural contrast of snow contours. The standard polarized version of goggle lenses are great in bright sun but not flat light. The colored, low-light lenses better highlight the terrain. If you don’t have those, try staying closer to the edges of trails where trees offer natural shadows that help reduce the wash out.

You can handle flat light with techniques, too, such as keeping a slightly lower center of gravity and keeping your legs more flexed and loose which helps you absorb unexpected bumps. Be more deliberate with planting your ski poles to better judge the snow and the surface. Avoid the instinct to lean back by keeping your shins pressed against the front of your boots to stay balanced and react faster. Also, try skiing a little more defensively by slowing down a smidge.

7. Lay the Groundwork the Night Before.

Some skiers and riders always have their gear ready to go while others need time to prepare. Don’t wait until the last minute.

In addition to getting gear ready the night before, you can take a few other easy steps to help your ski day get off to a great start. Like eating a good breakfast to fuel your body. Coffee is essential for many of us, too, but be sure to hydrate before you hit the lifts.

Expectations play a big role, too, as do those of the friends and family with us. They are what naturally trip us up and discourage us when things don’t go as anticipated. That makes checking the weather and adjusting your outlook the night before a key to getting a calm and confident start and being ready to make the day fun and enjoyable.

If you’re going with others, make sure their gear and expectations are set to go, too. That way, everyone can wake up ready to enjoy the day.

The same philosophy applies to the season itself – preparing now with a season pass means you’re ready for not only for opening day but also for spontaneity to accommodate those great fresh powder mornings and last-minute getaways all winter long.

8. Manage Your Mindset.

Maybe the weather isn’t perfect. Maybe your kids are slow getting ready. Maybe that car in front of you is delaying your arrival ever so slightly. None of that has to dampen your day.

One of the best ways to enjoy your day is to let go of the little frustrations. After all, what you remember years later won’t be everything going according to plan. It’ll be the moments when you embraced what the day and the mountain gave you.

Our attitude often shapes the day as much as the conditions. When we stop expecting perfect conditions and appreciate the day for all it is. In that way, we’re free to enjoy whatever the mountain gives us.

9. Delve Into History.

Understanding the history of the ski area you’re going to can add another dimension to your day. The early pioneers of skiing in New York laid the foundations, and those who built and stewarded the development of our ski areas made it all possible for us today.

Through the years so much has changed. From the earliest walk up/ski down days to primitive rope tows and single chair lifts to today’s high-speed quad lift and gondolas, the skier and rider transportation has evolved to make our days easier. Snowmaking technology, too, is making a difference every day and is now working hard at the best resorts to preserve our winter traditions and our way of life.

Every mountain comes with its own history. Uncovering the lore and learning the stories about why a ski area is unique creates a more rewarding adventure on the mountain.

10. Find Your Freedom and Flow.

When you’re first learning to ski, it’s all about stopping. Once you have that down, it’s a far more engaging challenge requiring balance, strength, and agility.

Beyond that, skiing is also art. Gliding down a mountain in pursuit of freedom, flow, and presence is an expression of who we are. It’s balance in motion while you engage with gravity, doing it in rhythm with the surface of the snow.

Navigating a wild winter scene high on a mountain with focus and lightning fast decision-making, you are living in the moment. Take it in, and take this chance to find your freedom and flow. Make your skiing and riding art come alive.

11. Embrace the Wonders of Winter.

Finding that freedom and flow can be super-fast and fun. But taking a moment or two to slow down and absorb the beauty and wonder around you is also something that makes a day on the mountain extra special.

There’s so much to see and feel and experience. Let your attention settle on the quiet moments high on the mountain. Notice the sound of your ski or board carving a turn. See the puffy blanket of snow on the trees. Soak in the awe of the incredible views.

Connecting with the natural world in this way offers a chance to slow down, appreciate your surroundings, and leave everyday distractions behind. Breathe deeply into this short window of time. Take a moment to appreciate where you are..

12. Unwind Après ski.

Finish a great day by thawing-out and socializing après-ski. Whether sitting by the fire in the base lodge lounge, sharing drinks and stories in a cozy pub in town, or enjoying hot food with friends and family, ski culture’s longstanding après-ski tradition is yours. It offers both a chance to celebrate your day and round out a rewarding day on the mountain.

_______________________________________________

It doesn’t matter if you’re just learning or an experienced skier or snowboarder, a great ski day is meant to be soaked in and savored. From start to finish, every moment of your ski day is an opportunity.

Every lift, every run, and every turn is precious because it can never be lived again in the exact same way. Those moments become part of your story.

So go to the mountain. Ski. Snowboard. Live your life. And make it count.

Whether your goal is one unforgettable weekend or dozens of days on snow, now is the time to start planning your winter.